Q: Why are people always saying that the human brain is cognitively superior to all other creatures, even primates? Other creatures, especially primates, are amazing!

A: Other creatures are amazing and fascinating. One answer has to do with the concept of “cognition.” According to the American Psychological Association, cognition refers to the variety of mental processes that are involved in a human brain’s gaining knowledge and comprehension. These include, remembering, knowing, judging, problem-solving, using language, imagining, perceiving, planning, analyzing, taking calculated risks, et cetera. According to Ulric Neisser, a psychologist and author of reportedly the first textbook on cognitive psychology, Cognitive psychology: Classic edition and published in 1967, cognition involves "those processes by which the sensory input is transformed, reduced, elaborated, stored, recovered, and used.” Primates and other creatures definitely exhibit smart behaviors and can learn a great deal. How many primates have built a space ship and landed it on the moon? Or created a Tesla? Or have accomplished successful heart surgery? Or developed brain imaging technology? Or researched factors that, if implemented, can slow down the process of aging and help humans stay healthier and younger for longer? None. That in no way devalues the brain’s of other creatures. So far, it does point out that the human brain is cognitively superior.